“not a typo!”
Zzyzx, California, formerly Camp Soda and Soda Springs, is a settlement in San Bernardino County, California. It is the former site of the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa and now the site of California State's Desert Studies Center. .Zzyzx Road is a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) long, part paved and part dirt, rural collector road in the Mojave Desert. It runs from Interstate 15 generally south to the Zzyzx settlement. The road sign makes a great photo op! "Zzyzx (AKA Camp Soda and Soda Springs) is located at the end of Zzyzx Road, a 4.5-mile-long rural road off Interstate 15, in San Bernadino County, California. Zzyzx and Soda Springs are both open to the public and offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, roadside attractions, toilets (always a plus!), and a cute, scenic picnic area. The actual history of the area goes back all the way to prehistoric times, when nomadic tribes would gravitate to the natural spring, and use the site as a quarry to create arrowheads. When you visit keep a keen eye out for rock art. Since 1976, California State University has managed the land and have built a great Desert Studies Center on site." -Roadtrippers
I spent many happy days at Zzyzx as a kid. My dad is a desert historian and wrote a book about Soda Springs and the Indian and Army posts that exist there. He knew Dr. Springer and has interviewed him. We frequently stayed at the abandoned resort and my dad would research the different layers of history and interview the old-timer caretakers. I really loved the place...it has trees and a lake and is really an oasis in the middle of the Mojave desert.
so would you pronounce this zizz ix?
Every Time my Wife and I go to and from Vegas, 3-4 times a year, We Kiss at Zzyzx Rd. It's just something we do. But either way, 6-8 Extra Kisses a Year is something I can live with.
Right off the road, be careful parking, but it's as fun to see as it is to try and pronounce!
I've been there several times, as I sold fuel and lubricants to the site before solar panels were installed to provide power. When you travel the road, keep watch for a deer herd and other desert animals. Across the basin to the south is the historic Mojave Road, an ancient Indian trail and wagon and stage route. It is 4WD, over 120 miles. The Soda Springs and surrounding area are serious desert, beautiful, haunting, and dangerous if caution is not observed.
It's a sign in the desert... Just like the picture. Look if your into it, cool, be yourself. But if your like me then for the love of goodness itself do not stop here. It's a freaking sign in the desert! There's like nothing there, just keep driving to wherever else in the country your going. There are certain nice things about the desert, but forget this place. It's a sign, it's in the desert. Ohh also it's unbearable hot like all the time.
My wife actually did her masters thesis on a spring at Zzyzx. Have stayed there many times - it's an unusual spot in the middle of the desert to be sure. There's also an interesting older history with the Tonopah & Tidewater railroad, among other things. Oh, and a good collection of rusted cars if you're into that.
I have driven by this road a hundred times but never got to stop. Thank you for this info.
Now do you have anything on "Search Light Road"?
We were afraid to drive the narrow desolate road to the resort but it was worth it. No one was there at 9:45am and we were able to tour around alone and take picture of the old buildings, fountains and even had a swing on the old swings. The old bath houses were cool as well as the old accommodations. It was worth the 30 min stop! Nice to get out and stretch our legs on our long road trip.
Pulled off and went all the way to the desert studies center -- so fun and eerie! No one else around except for another family. A quick 10 min walk around the oasis was nice and I took some photos. Definitely a cool place to let kids run around for awhile.
Be the first to add a review to the Zzyzx.
Zzyzx
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
Route 66 Leg 6: Flagstaff to Santa Monica
- 120 Places
- 53:35
- 2,302 mi
The Ultimate Guide To Joshua Tree National Park
- 53 Places
- 11:44
- 408 mi
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi